Politics » Council Affairs
Little India precinct debate puts Docklands’ future in sharper focus
The City of Melbourne’s proposal to establish a Little India precinct in Docklands has emerged as one of the most debated issues of this year’s council budget, prompting strong support from Melbourne’s Indian diaspora, significant concern from local residents, and a renewed council focus on Docklands’ public realm.
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City of Melbourne chief Alison Leighton to take leave as acting CEO appointed
City of Melbourne councillors have endorsed the council’s general manager of infrastructure and amenity, Rick Kwasek, as acting chief executive officer for a six-week period from June 26 to August 7 while CEO Alison Leighton is on leave.
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Council backs Little India vision for Docklands with $1.2 million budget commitment
The City of Melbourne has taken its clearest step yet towards establishing a Little India precinct in Docklands, with more than $1.2 million allocated in the draft 2026-27 budget to progress the proposal through infrastructure, public realm upgrades, creative projects and events.
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Sex industry amendment defeated in Parliament, with opponents calling result a win for sex workers
A push to ban registered sex offenders from working in Victoria’s sex and stripping industries has been voted down in State Parliament, with opponents of the proposed change hailing the result as a win for sex workers and a sign MPs were wary of reopening decriminalisation laws without broader review.
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City of Melbourne veers back into nuclear debate ahead of national conference
Melbourne councillors have voted to back a suite of motions to be put to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly in Canberra this June – including renewed calls for Australia to sign the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
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Council claims $95m economic boost from India mission
The City of Melbourne has claimed its November 2025 business mission to India has delivered more than $95 million in economic value for the city, with councillors set to formally note the outcomes at the February 17 Future Melbourne Committee meeting.
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Residents call out council for forgetting Docklands in its budget
The City of Melbourne has come under scrutiny for overlooking Docklands in its latest draft budget, with residents saying it has failed to allocate any “meaningful” funding to major projects in the precinct.
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Call for overhaul of City of Melbourne’s electoral rules as councillors back review
Melbourne’s councillors have voted to formally request a sweeping review of the City of Melbourne Act 2001, taking a significant first step towards reforming an electoral system long criticised as opaque, outdated and unrepresentative.
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Cleanaway completes $110 million Citywide Waste acquisition after ACCC green light
Australia’s largest waste management company, Cleanaway, has officially taken control of Citywide’s waste and recycling business in a $110 million deal that will reshape waste services across Melbourne’s inner city.
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City of Melbourne eyes new cultural precincts in Docklands
The City of Melbourne is taking steps to enhance Docklands as a thriving multicultural and culinary destination, with plans under way to scope both a Little India precinct and a new seafood dining hub.
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Buluk Park chosen by council
Council delivers record budget, but predicted surplus pushed back
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